Volcano expert Marc Szeglat publishes news and video footage about volcanoes.
News about eruptions and volcanoes can be found in this category. It is updated frequently. Volcano expert and journalist Marc Szeglat reports live from his expeditions to volcanoes.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 7 March ash plumes from Barren Island rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and NW, and to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and ESE.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 1-12 March. Strong gas-end-steam emissions continued to rise from the crater. Hot avalanches originating from the top of the lava dome were visible at night. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
KVERT reported that ash plumes from Karymsky were identified in satellite images during 1 and 4-5 March rising as high as 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 90 km E. A thermal anomaly was also visible on those same days. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
PHIVOLCS reported that during 6-11 March white steam plumes periodically emitted from Mayon drifted WNW, WSW, and SW, and crater incandescence was visible each night. As many as six volcanic earthquakes and two rockfalls per day were recorded by the seismic network. Phreatic events recorded at 0811 on 7 March and 0627 on 8 March generated grayish ash plumes that rose 500 and 300 m above the crater, respectively, and drifted SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
During an overflight between 0700 and 0800 on 6 March tourists observed a new active fissure on the NW flank of Piton de la Fournaise?s Piton Madoré, 150 m upstream of the main vent. The fissure likely opened the day before during 0900 and 1900. The tourist report noted that a small cone had formed, and a lava flow was traveling N. In the morning of 7 March at least six new vents were visible, although weather conditions prevented OVPF volcanologists from confirming if they were along a new fissure. During fieldwork on 8 March volcanologists inspected the 5 March fissure and observed a small cone ejecting material up to 10 m above the rim. Lava from the W side flowed a few tens of meters, and a flow from the N side progressed E. The new vents that opened on 7 March were confirmed to be along an E-W trending fissure. The vents were active, each producing 50-m-high lava fountains. The report also noted that samples from the 5 March and 7 March vents had different compositions, though no other details were noted. Lava flows traveled to around 1,000 m elevation.
Satellite images showed sulfur dioxide plumes drifting 450-550 km E on 8 March. Lava flows rapidly progressed during 8-9 March; the lava emission rate was variable, ranging up to 25 cubic meters per second (based on satellite data), although since the new fissures opened the highest values (over 50 cubic meters per second) measured the past few days were approximately 10 times higher than the average values recorded during the 2017-2018 eruptions. By 0800 on 9 March the flow front was at an estimated elevation of 650-700 m. After a phase of intense surficial activity during 9-10 March, with lava fountains rising as high as 100 m, lava-flow emissions ceased around 0628 on 10 March and seismicity significantly decreased.
Source: Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF)
Mount Bromo continues to emit volcanic ash. According to the VAAC, the ash reaches a height of 3700 m above sea level. Compared to yesterday, this is an increase in activity. Access to the crater rim was already closed at the end of February. There is a 1 km exclusion zone around the crater. This is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also for religious pilgrims. In the crater of Bromos, the Hindu god Brahma is supposed to reside. The god is often sacrificed, mostly in the form of crops. But even living animals like to be pushed into the crater. The most important festival is the Kasada, which is celebrated once a year.
The Mayon in the Philippines erupted today for the third time this year. The VAAC Tokyo reports volcanic ash at a height of 4 km. PHILVOLCS yesterday recorded 2 volcanotectonic earthquakes and a seismic rockfall signal triggered by a debris avalanche that produced a small ash cloud. At night a weak glowing was observed above the crater. Satellite photos show a clear thermal anomaly indicating that the volcano is heating up. Sulfur dioxide emissions are just under 1000 tons a day. The alarm level is set to “2”.
On the Indonesian island of Bali, the Gunung Agung erupted an ash cloud. The eruption occurred at 00:47 local time. The height of the eruption clouds could not be determined. Nevertheless, the alert status for the air traffic was set on “orange”. Tremor was recorded, which had an amplitude of 21 mm and lasted 230 seconds. These data are in the context of the last registered eruptions on the holiday island.
The eruption on the Piton de la Fournaise has intensified. On 5th and 7th of March new fissures opened, one of which is still active. There are 2 lava fountains that feed lava flows. The Lava output is about 30 cubic meters per second. The end of the lava flow is at 1000 m altitude. The distance to the coastal road is 5 km. The tremor rose and 49 volcanotectonic earthquakes were registered.
The eruption started on 20. February, just one day after a short-lived eruption.
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 28 February-1 March. Strong gas-and-steam emissions continued to be visible. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT). Published by the GVP/USGS